How long do germicidal bulbs last?
The germicidal UV-C lamps have a useful average life of 5,000 to 9,000 hours. Useful life means that during this time the lamp is operating at an optimal output level for neutralizing mold, fungus, bacteria and viruses. Inherently, fluorescent technologies like UV germicidal lights depreciate in output over time.
How do I choose a UV-C light?
4 Things to Consider Before Purchasing UV-C Sterilization Systems
- Make sure you purchase the right wavelength.
- Be aware of human, animal and material safety risks when using UV-C.
- Understand the limitations of the UV-C lamp’s ability to disinfect everything and everywhere.
How much does a UV-C bulb cost?
But choosing the right germicidal UV fixture at the right price can be complicated. There is a wide range of products on the market right now, and they vary greatly in cost. A UV-C fixture can cost you anywhere from $150 to $20,000.
What is a germicidal ballast?
These ballasts are designed to run high output UV germicidal light bulbs. They provide more UV output wattage for the same length of lamp compared to standard output.
Do UV-C lights produce ozone?
No, UV-C light does not produce ozone. However, the shorter Ultraviolet-V (UV-V at 185 nanometers) wavelength of UVV light actually generates ozone. This occurs because UVV light reacts with oxygen to break it into atomic oxygen, a highly unstable atom that combines with oxygen to form O3 (Ozone).
Do UV lights lose their strength?
Like your average light bulb, UV lights have a finite life span that requires them to be changed on a regular basis. As these lights operate, they slowly lose their effectiveness as a germicidal agent by about 15 percent each year.
Why are UV lights purple?
The visible tail looks “purple” because the “red” receptors in your eye have some sensitivity at the shortest visible wavelengths. The visible leakage from a black light stimulates both “red” and “blue” receptors in your eye, and you perceive purple.
What’s the difference between UV and UVC?
UVC is the shortest wavelength of the three forms of UV. The shorter the wavelength, the more harmful the UV radiation. So while UVC is the most dangerous because it’s the shortest wavelength, it’s not a risk to the typical person because the sun’s natural UVC emissions don’t penetrate skin.
Do UV lamps use a lot of electricity?
If you have a 60 spotlight on for 14 hours at full power, and a 16W UV tube for 14 hours, the total power = 74. or 1.036kWh which is also 1.036 units of electricty. If electricity costs 12p per unit and you use 1.036 units per day then your running costs will be about 12p per day.
Do you need a ballast for UV lights?
The uvc light ballast ramps up the input voltage and has an output voltage high enough to spark the lamp. A ballast is needed due to the construction of the lamps, they have negative resistance between the two electrodes. Additionally, a large voltage difference between the electrodes is needed to spark the lamp.
Are UVC bulbs fluorescent?
They are clear because they have no fluorescent phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp. With the glass and no phosphor coating, the 253.7 nm ultraviolet light produced by the mercury arc is passed outside the lamp and used for sterilization rather than general light.